Bernice Beckett cried out for the strongest punishment the law allows, but she left a Broward County courtroom sobbing in the embrace of her family on Friday when the killer of her 11-year-old son was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Outside the courtroom were about 30 of the defendant's relatives and friends, who had made their own emotional appeal for leniency. When the families confronted each other, passions exploded.

"I'll never see my son!" Bernice Beckett yelled as she moved toward the group. "He was 11 years old, and he's dead. He was 11 years old, and I'll never see him again."

Bailiffs and courthouse deputies quickly moved between them.

Kevin Jones, 18, convicted of third-degree murder for killing Bruce Beckett, could have been sent to prison for seven years. That was the recommendation from prosecutor Bob Delegal and Beckett's family.

Jones' attorney, Ron Dallas, argued that Jones, "a model kid," should be given a break. When Jones shot Beckett in the chest with a .22-caliber rifle last July 4, it was an accident, Dallas said. The two boys were friends. Jones should "be given an opportunity to live a life that shows he's responsible," Dallas said.

But Bernice Beckett was adamant: "My baby is dead," she said. "He's lying in a cemetery, and he's 11 years old. You can't tell me this was an accident. I want justice done for my child."

Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda listened to both sides then made his decision -- 16 months in a prison for youthful offenders followed by two years of community control. Jones also must pay Beckett's funeral expenses.

Korda allowed Jones to wait until June 16 before being sent to prison. He wanted the high school junior to finish school, the judge said. With time off for good behavior, Jones may be out of prison in time for the start of school next fall, Korda said.

"After we bury our dead we have to take care of the living," Korda said.

Neither Jones nor his attorney would comment on the sentence.

The Becketts obviously were disappointed, Delegal said.

"They lost a son," he said. "They felt like he deserved more time in prison. Judge Korda has been known to be creative in his sentences. It's a tough position for a judge to be in."

According to authorities, Bruce Beckett went to Jones' house in the 600 block of Northwest 51st Street, Pompano Beach. Jones told him to leave because he wanted to play basketball, but he refused. Jones then got a bullet from a bedroom, loaded the rifle, pointed it at him and fired.

Jones' family and his attorney, however,, said the boys were playing with the gun, which had not been used since it became jammed more than six years ago. A bullet apparently remained in the gun, and the gun discharged when Jones pointed it at Beckett, they said.

Ronald Jones, Kevin's father, said he sympathized with the Beckett family.

"I know it's a very great loss, but that's something that happened," Jones said. "I can understand their feelings, but I love my son. I didn't have any trouble with my children, and he's the best one I've got."